asked the Minister for Finance whether he is aware that an application for an increase of wages was made in April last to the resident engineer by the representatives of the men employed at Rhineanna by the Board of Works; that no reply having been received, an application was made direct to the Office of Public Works a fortnight later; that no reply to either having been received up to 30th June last, the men informed the resident engineer of their intention to withdraw their labour on the 4th July last; that the men have in fact been on strike since that date; that they have not yet received a reply to, or a decision on their application; whether he is further aware that men employed by a private contractor on similar work on the same scheme were in receipt of 5/- per week more than the men employed by the Board of Works, and that these men's wages have since been increased by a further 2/- per week, and whether he is now prepared to accede to the demand made by the men employed by the Board of Works.
Ceisteanna.—Questions. Oral Answers. - Wages at Rhineanna.
I am aware of the facts regarding the wages dispute at Rhineanna. The rate of wages to be paid there is being considered in the light of the present position. In arriving at a decision, due regard will be had, among other relevant matters, to the recent standard rate of wages and bonus orders applicable to the building and constructional workers employed by contractors at the airport.
Can the Parliamentary Secretary explain why no reply was sent in response to this demand, and also is he aware that, as set out in the question, men employed by a private contractor on similar work were in receipt, at the time the application was made, of 5/- per week more than the men employed by the Board of Works, and that these men have since got an additional 2/- per week, with the result that they are at the moment in receipt of 7/- per week more than the men employed by the State on similar work?
I understand that the position is substantially as stated by the Deputy, but I cannot throw any further light on the situation, except to say that a decision will shortly be arrived at.